EWS, Britain’s largest rail operator, is to fit rear view mirrors, normally used on road vehicles, to 250 of its locomotives used for rail freight services.
External mirrors are used on train services across the world, particularly North America, but this will be the first time that mirrors on trains have been used in Britain.
The installation of the rear view mirrors will assist EWS drivers greatly by allowing them to obtain a view of either side of their train whilst moving, providing improved train safety and reliability benefits.
Keith Heller, EWS Chief Executive, said: “Most of us think nothing of using wing mirrors whilst driving a car. The installation of similar mirrors on EWS freight trains provides the driver with the ability to view with safety the rear of their train whilst on the move.â€
EWS is currently fitting rear view mirrors to all of its 250 class 66 locomotives, which have a maximum speed of 75mph and can haul up to 3,000 tonnes.